mullah

American

[muhl-uh, mool-uh, moo-luh] / ˈmʌl ə, ˈmʊl ə, ˈmu lə /

Also mulla,

noun

(in Islamic countries) a title of respect for a person who is learned in, teaches, or expounds the sacred law.
(in Turkey) a provincial judge.

mullah British

/ ˈmʌlə, ˈmʊlə, ˈmɒlə /

noun

(formerly) a Muslim scholar, teacher, or religious leader: also used as a title of respect

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of mullah

1605–15; < Persian or Urdu mullā < Arabic mawlā; see maulvi

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The seminary has long been associated with the Taliban since several of its members, including the group's founder Mullah Omar, trained there.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2025

Haqqani was a close associate of Taliban founder Mullah Omar and served as a negotiator on behalf of the Taliban during discussions with US representatives in 2020.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2025

A technical team from Iran has arrived in the area, Mullah Janan Sayeeq, spokesman for the Ministry of Disaster Management, said during a press conference.

From Reuters • Oct. 9, 2023

Akhundzada was named the Taliban leader in 2016 after a U.S. airstrike in Pakistan killed his predecessor, Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 20, 2023

Mariam wondered if there was fighting like this in Herat too, and, if so, how Mullah Faizullah was coping, if he was still alive, and Bibi jo too, with all her sons, brides, and grandchildren.

From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023